CLEVELAND – It was homecoming weekend at Case Western Reserve, but Saint Francis was unable to spoil the party. Big plays put the Red Wolves on their heels early, and they were never able to recover, falling 52-10 to the Spartans.
After the Saint Francis offense went three-and-out on its first possession, the Spartans blocked a punt. A targeting penalty on Gavin Hockenberry set up CWRU with a first-and-goal opportunity. Andy Kavcic cashed in from eight yards out to give CWRU a quick 7-0 lead.
Saint Francis responded with a 13-play, 51-yard drive. Lance Jones connected on a pair of passes to tight end Scott Raymond, and some hard running by Jonathan Delia set up a field goal. Ian Palilla connected from 36 yards out to cut the lead to 7-3.
The Spartans came into the contest averaging more than 30 points a game, and the offense struck quickly again. Quarterback Pierce Olson found wide receiver Beau White on a 42-yard touchdown pass. White ended the first half with four catches for 111 yards.
Olson, in his second career start, looked very strong. He threw two more touchdown passes to lead the Spartans into the locker room with a 27-3 halftime lead.
All four quarterbacks saw action for Saint Francis, but none were able to move the ball consistently against the Spartan defense.
In the fourth quarter, Ashton Walk connected on a long pass to Cole DeLattre. Two plays later, Saint Francis scored its first touchdown of the game as Cam Wagner took the direct snap and crossed into the end zone.
DeLattre led SFU in receiving with five receptions for 61 yards. Raymond had four catches for 27 yards.
On defense, Kameron Chisholm led the team with eight tackles, including two for a loss. Ryyan Brown added two quarterback sacks.
Saint Francis returns to DeGol Field next Saturday for its homecoming game. Kickoff against Saint Vincent College is set for 1 p.m.
